This week I revisit the topic from last week's column to also teach readers how to stop unwanted chewing when you are able to catch your dog in the act.
Puppies spend many months discovering the world with their mouths and the best relief for a teething puppy is to chew.
This period of development is the perfect time to teach appropriate chewing to your soon to be fully grown dog.
For older dogs the methods for training are exactly the same as puppy redirection, you may however find that your older dog may have to be corrected and watched more often than a puppy that picks up the rules of the household more quickly.
To have success in redirecting chewing you must correct your dog when it is chewing the forbidden shoe, cord, sock, homework or whatever fabulous item your dog has decided to target.
If you come home and find your cellphone in a million pieces on the floor, there is no point scolding or punishing your dog with a time out, the moment has passed and they have no idea what it is they have done wrong.
Many wives tales exist but there is no evidence that any of these methods do any good at all, none involve training the desirable behaviour we want our dogs to achieve and the reality is all behaviour is learnt so needs to therefore be taught correctly.
The art of teaching your dog what they are allowed to chew, such as their own toys and treats like rawhide bones specifically designed for doggy satisfaction, comes down to timing and exchange. When your puppy or dog is chewing a forbidden item give them a stern "no'' to divert their attention from the item to you.
You must then offer them an exchange and hand over an item which is their own and remove the forbidden item.
If you do not replace what you have taken away instantly with a toy that your dog is allowed to chew, your dog will simply move on to the next tempting object they come across.
In a short time your dog will learn what items they are given to keep and what items they constantly have taken away.
Those items they are not allowed to keep soon become uninteresting to your dog as their ultimate goal is to chew and relieve what can be both a physical need during teething to a mental need for those dogs in our homes that simply enjoy chewing.
Paw point of the week: Keep items of value and importance out of your dog's physical reach. Sentimental value is not a canine emotion. Ensure electrical cords are disconnected from power supplies and cables are tucked away to keep your companion safe from harm. These items are often favourites for chewing.
Contact me for the chance to have your question selected for publication at nadines@dogguru.co.nz for further information on Dog Guru visit www.dogguru.co.nz